Local Voices
Just Security’s “Local Voices” section features perspectives and analysis from individuals directly affected by conflict, human rights abuses, and political crises around the world.
316 Articles

Continued Positive Momentum on Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
An update on the U.N. General Assembly's Sixth Committee session in October, and what to expect for a proposed crimes against humanity treaty.

New Rule of Law Index: Spread of Authoritarianism Slows But Justice Systems Are Failing
Annual index reveals new global trends in reversing authoritarianism but concerns about civil and justice systems. See also U.S. rankings.

The U.N. Human Rights Council and the ICC Can Do More for Afghanistan
The United Nations Human Rights Council should create an independent investigative mechanism for Afghanistan.

At UNGA and Beyond, the World Is Already Turning a Blind Eye to Cambodia’s Stolen Election
Hun Manet's father, Hun Sen, selected him as prime minister last month. He's finding support at the U.N. and with U.S. companies.

Baby on Board! How Kleptocrats and Associates Use Family Members to Evade Sanctions
In many countries, it is possible for young children -- even babies -- to be corporate shareholders, offering a workaround for their parents.

Openings for Biden in the Inaugural US-Central Asia Summit at UNGA
Russia and China notwithstanding, serious ties should balance interests in regional cooperation, civil society, and security assistance.

India’s Digital Governance `Model’ Fails on Rights
In hosting the G20 summit, Prime Minister Modi is touting a sustainable digital future. But privacy and data protection fall to the wayside.

Dollars Deployed: How the Weaponization of the U.S. Financial System Contributed to Afghanistan’s Collapse
The collapse of the Afghan government to the Taliban and subsequent U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 marked the failure of two decades of fighting to root…

The Overlooked but Potent Artist in the Fight Against Autocracy
Defenders of democracy should push back against autocrats by empowering artists, who cultivate open discourse.

Broader Lessons About Resilience from Maui’s Fires
As Maui heals from the fires, communities can lay the foundations for social and infrastructure resilience in the face of future disasters.

Ukraine Shows that Military Aid Transparency Is Possible
While the administration deserves credit for transparency on aid to Ukraine, the approach casts a stark light on the opacity of broader security cooperation programming and begs…

The Taliban’s Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan Is Part Of – Not Separate From – Its Terrorist Links
The international community must recognize the links between the repression of women and the Taliban's support for violent extremism.